What is a birth doula?
A birth doula is a professional labor and birth assistant. I have completed my training through DONA International. I normally do two prenatal visits, and one postpartum visit as well as stay with you throughout labor/birth and help establish breastfeeding. I offer continuous emotional and physical support/encouragement and help you stay informed throughout your experience. I want you to feel like you have a voice, and this is YOUR BIRTH!
What are the benefits of hiring a doula?
26% less likely to give birth by cesarean section
41% less likely to give birth with vacuum extraction or forceps
28% less likely to use any pain medications and
33% less likely to be dissatisfied with or negatively rate their birth experience (Hodnett and colleagues 2004).
41% less likely to give birth with vacuum extraction or forceps
28% less likely to use any pain medications and
33% less likely to be dissatisfied with or negatively rate their birth experience (Hodnett and colleagues 2004).
I have a Midwife/OB and nurses do I still need a Doula?
Yes! A Midwife/OB/Nurse usually has other patients and will not be with you continuously throughout labor. Your caregivers primary responsibilities are to monitor the health of you and your baby. They preform clinical tasks including vaginal exams, suturing, blood pressure, heart rate, and overall evaluations of the health of the mother and baby etc. A doula is non-clincal and does not provide these services to the mother. A doula's primary job is the emotional health of the mother, father, and baby. A doula cannot replace your primary caregivers.
Will my partner be replaced by you? My partner is skeptical!
This is a very common concern. A doula can never replace the special relationship that you two have together, you made this baby! A doula is there to support your entire family in whatever way you feel comfortable with. The best way to reassure skeptical partners is to have them present in our prenatal visits. We are a team working together for the best possible outcome for Mother and baby. After birth most Mothers report feeling even closer to their partners when a doula was present at their birth. Sometimes you don't remember everything you learned in your childbirth classes, and a doula can be a great information source as well as a comfort of someone who is knowledgeable of the birthing process. A doula can help the father by getting snacks, drinks etc. so that his full attention can be on his partner. If he needs to take a break, or a rest I can always be there to support her so she is never alone. Also, most find that skeptical partners end up being some of the best doula advocates after experiencing a birth with a doula present!
Do you have a backup doula?
Yes I do. If for some unseen reason I am unable to attend your birth you will be notified and I will call my backup to ensure you have someone present with you at your birth. They are also trained through DONA International
